In a candid interview with PlanetF1.com, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown made headlines by emphasizing an unwavering commitment to fairness and equality between his star drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. With both sitting comfortably at the top of the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings — first and second respectively — Brown insists the team is playing it straight, but some insiders whisper that behind the polished rhetoric lies a brewing storm.

McLaren’s Radical Approach to Driver Equality

Unlike many top Formula 1 teams that funnel resources toward a clear number-one driver, McLaren has chosen a daring path — treating Piastri and Norris as true equals. This philosophy breaks from the sport’s norm, where usually one driver takes the lead role and the other plays a supporting position.

Zak Brown is unambiguous: “The best way to win the Constructors’ Championship is to finish first and second in the Drivers’ Championship.” His approach hinges on transparency and fairness — ensuring both drivers receive upgrades and opportunities in a balanced manner. For example, if one driver gets a performance upgrade one weekend, the other is given the same advantage the next.

This strategy aims to let the drivers settle who is best on the track without team interference — a rare sight in a sport often mired by internal politics.

But Is Fairness Costing McLaren Glory?

While Brown proudly champions this equality, the question remains: is McLaren sacrificing potential championship glory by refusing to prioritize one driver?

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In recent races, Piastri has shown willingness to support Norris when the title battle is tight — notably stepping aside during the São Paulo GP Sprint to maximize Norris’ points. The gesture was reciprocated by Norris in Qatar, highlighting a unique team spirit centered on fairness rather than favoritism.

Yet critics argue this noble ideal might dilute McLaren’s chance of outright driver success. Could the refusal to favor a single driver allow rivals like Max Verstappen to capitalize?

Brown remains steadfast. “Our drivers want to win by beating everyone — including their teammate,” he said. “I’m comfortable with neither driver winning if it means denying the other a fair shot.”

The Business Behind the Competition

Winning the Constructors’ Championship holds immense financial weight, with prize money soaring into the hundreds of millions. McLaren, reigning Constructors’ Champions from last year, stands to earn a significant portion of this revenue, crucial for the team’s sustainability and development.

Brown acknowledges this, explaining the team’s focus on Constructors’ success as a pragmatic business decision — one that aligns with his drivers’ ambitions without creating internal rifts.

“The Drivers’ Championship is prestigious, but delivering it while maintaining team values is paramount,” Brown said. “Until it’s clear one driver has a better chance, we won’t play favorites.”

Lessons from the Past and Hope for the Future

McLaren’s current approach is also informed by history. The 2007 season saw teammate rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso — a bitter battle that ultimately handed the title to Kimi Räikkönen by a single point.

Brown fears repeating that internal strife and instead hopes for a championship fight defined by skill, not team orders.

“We want two drivers fighting for the championship, not one playing second fiddle,” Brown emphasized.

With Verstappen creeping closer in the standings, the drama is far from over. McLaren’s “equality” policy may soon face its toughest test — and the world will be watching if it leads to glory or chaos.